Illinois

7th Annual Composting Symposium: Backyard, Business, and Beyond

February 8, 2010

12:30-6:30pm

University of Illinois Extension Sangamon-Menard Unit, Springfield, IL

Keynote Speaker: Ken Dunn, The Resource Center, "Composting for a Sustainable Future"

This is the seventh composting symposium to be held in Illinois. The symposium is a forum for sharing composting, stimulating the composting market, and bringing composters, educators and business people together so that everyone can benefit from learning about this excellent organic soil amendment.

The symposium is will provide an excellent opportunity to learn about composting organic materials from national and local experts. The symposium will cover topics ranging from backyard composting for beginners to large scale projects for municipalities or farms. The symposium is open to the public. Educators, farmers, gardeners, and entrepreneurs are all encouraged to attend, there will be something for everyone.

For more information on the symposium and how to register click here.

Sponsored by a partnership of: Illinois Stewardship Alliance, University of Illinois Extension, City of Springfield’s Division of Waste and Recycling, North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, and Illinois Department of Agriculture.

As a result of receiving numerous constituent complaints and inquiries, State Senator David Koehler (D-Peoria) requested State Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign) Chairman of the Agriculture and Conservation Committee to hold a hearing on the negative effects of chemical drift.   

During the process of spraying agriculture chemicals, the wind can push these chemicals out of the designated spray area, effecting livestock, gardens and even people. Children, the elderly and individuals with asthma and related health problems can experience serious health consequences, and businesses like organic farmers can lose entire crops, resulting in extreme economic hardship.

The hearing is being called to address the harmful effects of chemical drift. This is a great opportunity for those who are negatively affected by chemical drift to present their story to policy makers.

The hearing is scheduled for September 30th, 10AM, in room 409 of the Illinois State Capitol building, Springfield IL.

Those who are affected by chemical drift as an issue are encouraged to attend the hearing and give testimony. If you plan to attend the hearing please contact Wes King, ISA’s policy coordinator, at wes@ilstewards.org or 217-528-1563.

Knowing that it is a busy time of the year for producers and that you may not be able to attend such a hearing, I would like to encourage you to write a statement about how chemical drift affects you as a farmer.  

Written testimony can be submitted now on Koehler's Web page, www.senatordavekoehler.com or by mailing the statement to Sen. David Koehler, District Office, 13 S. Capitol St., Pekin, IL 61554. Written testimony will still be accepted after the actual date of the hearing.

If you have any questions please contact Wes King, at 217-528-1563 or wes@ilstewards.org